Watermans Bay has been closed after a shark sighting. Picture: Natalie Slade Source: PerthNow
WATERMANS Bay was closed earlier today after a 3m tiger shark was seen lurking 400m offshore.
The Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter spotted the shark heading west about 11am.
The beach re-opened at noon.
It was the second shark sighting for the day with a 2m hammerhead shark seen at 8am about 7km offshore at the northern end of Garden Island.
Barry Humphries performs as Dame Edna for his farewell tour. Picture: Supplied Source: PerthNow
CRUDE, cringe-worthy, over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek, flashy and laugh-out-loud funny - Barry Humphries has proven he's still at his best as he bids farewell to his touring days.
The energetic, sharp-witted 78-year-old took to the stage in fine form at Crown Theatre Perth last night to share some final side-splitting moments with a few of his favourite characters.
First up, there was Sir Les Patterson, who has given up politics for a career as a celebrity chef.
Flanked by a toned team of four dancers (The Condiments) he spat and spluttered all over those in the front row as he cooked up a "simple yet gourmet" meal of rissoles, told vulgar tales of life with his wife Gwen and targeted everyone from Gina Rinehart and Julia Gillard to a pair of latecomers to the show.
Though anyone familiar with Humphries' work would be hard to really shock, a few racist remarks, gross moments and seriously uncomfortable comments had some of the audience members squirming and even conjured a few gasps and disapproving clucks of the tongue.
It's the ghost of Sandy Stone who changes the tone of the production though.
He delivers a haunting monologue, reminiscing about the past and leaving the audience feeling nostalgic and, perhaps, a little sad before the interval, which marks the calm before the storm that is Dame Edna.
Following a fittingly garish introduction, the Melbourne housewife turned "Gigastar" took over.
Covered in head-to-toe sparkle, the wisteria-hued wonder woman spent the majority of the second act singling out audience members to cross-examine and, of course, poke fun at.
"It's sad to think the rest of their lives are going to be an anti-climax," she quipped after inviting the chosen ones up on stage.
It's excellent to see she hasn't lost her edge.
The evening of song, dance and humour, staged on a stellar set designed by Brian Thomson, is a fine farewell for Humphries.
And as the legendary Australian figure takes to the stage as himself for the final curtain, it's hard not to wish he were pulling a "John Farnham" on us all.
* Eat, Pray, Laugh: Barry Humphries Farewell Tour continues at Crown Theatre Perth until February 10. Tickets from Ticketek.
As many as 125 Harvard University students were suspected of helping each other in a final exam. Source: Supplied
AROUND 60 students at Harvard University have been suspended and others disciplined in a mass cheating scandal at the elite college, the administration said.
Faculty of Arts and Sciences dean Michael Smith told staff and students at the university near Boston that ''somewhat more than half'' of the cases under investigation ended with students being required ''to withdraw from the college for a period of time.''
''Of the remaining cases, roughly half the students received disciplinary probation, while the balance ended in no disciplinary action,'' Smith said in a campus-wide email.
When the scandal first became public in August, Harvard said that as many as 125 students were suspected of helping each other in a final exam.
The university said a large number of undergraduates ''may have inappropriately collaborated on answers, or plagiarised classmates' responses, on the final exam for the course''.
Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the most exclusive universities in the world, with students paying about $US63,000 ($A60,700) a year to attend after winning a place in a highly-competitive admissions process.
Smith called the scale of the cheating incident ''unprecedented'' and said reforms were being drawn up to ''promote academic integrity and a deeper understanding of it within our community.''
Sydney, Wesley and Bray Loveridge with Lilly Purcell, holding banners at the third rally to save the Guildford Hotel. Picture: Ross Swanborough Source: PerthNow
ABOUT 300 people rallied for the State Government and owners of the Guildford Hotel to get a move on with fixing the burnt-out, heritage-listed site.
The protest, organised by the Save the Guildford Hotel group, was held at Stirling Square, near the Swan Valley icon, and was the third rally since the venue was engulfed by fire in September 2008.
Group spokesman Ben Allen, speaking on the trailer of a truck, gave an impassioned opening address before letting the Swan Valley Winemakers Association (SVWA) and three local politicians from the Liberals, Labor and Greens have their say.
"It's now been 1615 days since that fire and anyone familiar with the situation knows there has not been one bit of restoration taken place," Mr Allen said.
"From a community point of view, we have a building with the highest possible levels of heritage protection and yet it's stood exposed to the elements for over four and a half years now. It is obviously deteriorating."
Liberal Member for the East Metropolitan Region Alyssa Hayden was met with hecklers calling for the government to buy the building as she took to the microphone.
Ms Hayden said that could not happen while the owners were working towards redeveloping the land.
Member for Midland Michelle Roberts said if the Labor Party was to win the State Election in March, would "examine the possibility of purchase of that site if all else fails."
Member for the East Metropolitan Alison Xamon said the Greens would push for changes to the heritage act that would make owners of neglected heritage buildings liable for fines of up to $1 million.
The crowd of residents and business owners said they were sick of seeing the nationally heritage-listed hotel go through a "demolition by neglect" and continued their calls for a roof to be put on the shell of a building.
Mr Allen said he thought the rally went well and that the issue clearly was not going away.
"This is a State asset, this is a community asset and it is ridiculous, to lose this building we are losing more than just a building," he said.
However, last month when the rally was announced, owners Luke and Dominic Martino said they are progressing with expressions of interest for potential tenants in the hotel, restaurant and shopping aspects of the redevelopment now open.
The deadline for applications is March 29 and depending on if the right tenants are found, the Martinos hope to start works on the project soon after.
The site's property manager Jeff Braddock said before Christmas a major Australian hotelier and an international dining group had both expressed interest in the iconic landmark.
AQUILA Resources has received the green light from the State Government to develop Anketell Port as part of its $6 billion iron ore project.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion gave the nod to the proposed development, in which Aquila holds a 50 per cent stake.
The Federal Government will now consider whether to also approve the project.
The coal producer has been moving into iron ore and developed proposals for two key mines in the Pilbara region.
Integral to the project is the proposed port development at Anketell.
"The approval provides for the staged expansion of the multi-user, deepwater port to a nominal iron ore export capacity of 350 million tonnes per annum, subject to other non-environmental approvals,'' Aquila chairman Tony Poli said today.
The planned development of the port is crucial to Aquila securing the majority of the $3 billion in funding it needs for its iron ore project.
Mr Poli said the companies had signed binding agreements to settle all legal proceedings and disputes relating to Belvedere for $20 million, paving the way for Vale to exercise its option to buy Aquila's stake for $150 million.
The pair have been locked in a legal battle since 2010 about the valuation used for Aquila's interest in Belvedere.
Mr Poli said Vale was expected to wrap up its option to buy Aquila's stake during the March quarter.
Aquila's shares were steady at $3.12 at 1303 AEDT.
WA dairy farmers have made their feelings known to Wesfarmers. Source: The Advertiser
WA DAIRY farmers have taken another swing at Wesfarmers boss Richard Goyder claiming the sector needs to sort out the "true value" of the industry.
WA Farmers dairy section president Phil Depiazzi has criticised comments made by the chief executive during the company's half-year reports this week that suggest the industry was not struggling because of cheaper milk prices, but instead was just a "market at work".
Wesfarmers wholly owns Coles, which was the first retailer to slash milk prices to $1 a litre two years ago.
"The issue with milk prices has gone on for far too long and now is the time for action," Mr Depiazzi said.
He wants the state's processors, supermarkets and farmers to sit down and find a resolution.
During the half-year report Mr Goyder said Coles was not to blame for the lower farmgate prices experienced by many farmers and it was "utter nonsense" it would lead to the end of the industry.
"And if farmers are prepared to sell milk to suppliers for the prices they do, then that's their prerogative."
Though the chief executive didn't lay the blame at the feet of the processors, he did suggest farmers should take it up with those organisations, which could then on-sell to retailers at a higher price.
"The farm gate prices are set by the processors, this is quite simply a matter of supply and demand and if processors are prepared to sell milk to Coles and Coles can sell it to customers at a dollar a litre and make money, then that's our prerogative," he said.
But Mr Depiazzi said those comments were wrong as there was no oversupply of milk in WA with farmers set to struggle to meet domestic demand again this summer.
"If it was a simple case of supply and demand, as suggested by Mr Goyder, then farmers should have received around 55 cents per litre as we did in 2008 under similar conditions," he said.
"Farmers have limited ability to negotiate prices with the processors, milk is a perishable product that needs to be collected daily and farmers cannot hold milk while they negotiate a better price."
Jill Meagher's death shocked Melbourne. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
THE man accused of the rape and murder of Jill Meagher has faced court charged with new sex offences.
Adrian Ernest Bayley, 41, is facing seven new sex-related counts linked to an attack on a woman in Elwood in November 2000.
Sexual Crimes Squad detectives have charged Mr Bayley with three counts of rape, two counts of intentionally causing injury, and single counts of making a threat to kill and unlawful imprisonment.
The charges came as investigators last night renewed their appeal for a witness who helped the woman to come forward.
They said the witness, a woman, drove a dark blue Hyundai Excel with sheepskin seat covers.
Police say the Hyundai driver stopped on seeing the woman jump from a car, and then drove her to get help.
The charging of Mr Bayley came days after police made an initial appeal for the Hyundai's driver to come forward.
After hearing legal argument in Melbourne Magistrates' Court, magistrate Amanda Chambers granted members of the news media access to the charge sheets.
Adrian Bayley has been charged with the rape and murder of Jill Meagher. Picture: Facebook
Earlier, defence lawyer Amanda Vasiliou submitted that details of the hearing should be suppressed.
She claimed that this would be so as not to prejudice the administration of justice in any further court hearings.
Mr Bayley is due to face a committal hearing next month in relation to the Jill Meagher case.
If he is committed to stand trial, that trial is not likely to commence before July.
In granting the release of the charge sheets to the media, Ms Chambers said details suggesting that detectives were going to interview Mr Bayley had already been publicised.
Ms Chambers said Mr Bayley was currently presumed innocent in relation to any and all charges he faced, adding that any potential jury would be bound by strict directions.
She said suppression orders in relation to the filing hearing were not necessary to protect the integrity of the jury system.
The husband of Jill Meagher, Tom, appeals for restraint as the man accused of murdering his wife appears in court
Prosecutor Patrick O'Halloran did not oppose the media's application for access to the charge sheets.
He told Ms Chambers that the brief of evidence in relation to the seven new charges would be served on Mr Bayley's lawyers by March 15.
Jill Meagher's life in pictures
The search for Jill ends in tragedy
Mr Bayley will reappear in court for a committal mention in relation to the new charges on April 26.
On Thursday, Mr Bayley appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court via video link from Melbourne Assessment Prison for the application hearing by detectives.
The police application related to an interview regarding possible criminal charges and the examination of Mr Bayley for any possible distinguishing mark he might have on his body.
Bayley's first court appearance after arrest
An evil deed ends in a dark place
'Devastated' family can now grieve
Worldwide reaction to disappearance on social media
Leave your tribute to Jill Meagher
Magistrate Peter Reardon heard evidence and granted the police application.
Mr Bayley has been charged with raping and murdering Ms Meagher in Brunswick on September 22 last year.
A suppression order banning publication of any damaging or potentially prejudicial material about Mr Bayley - predominantly on social media sites - remains in force until March 12.
Police asked for anyone able to help the investigation into the latest allegations to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to go to the website, at: crimestoppers.com.au.
Chris Evans with Julia Gillard last year. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: News Limited
THE third most senior member of Julia Gillard's team, Senate leader Chris Evans, will announce his shock resignation as a minister and Attorney-General Nicola Roxon is reportedly about to resign from the cabinet.
According to the The Australian newspaper, Ms Roxon will step down from her portfolio and retire from politics at the September 14 election.
The reports were supported by tweets from Sky News host Peter van Onselen and Seven Network's Mark Riley suggesting Ms Roxon's impending resignation.
"Nicola Roxon to resign from cabinet early tomorrow,'' van Onselen tweeted late on Friday.
Senator Chris Evans with US secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Perth late last year.
In the Senate, the party leader is elected by MPs and traditionally from the party's Left faction. Senator Conroy has been deputy leader for five years but is from the Right faction.
Last night there was a suggestion Senator Wong would support Senator Conroy and become deputy, although some MPs were urging her to run for the top spot. A ballot would be held on Monday, if required.
Senator Evans is Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research. One option being considered by Ms Gillard is giving that post to Immigration Minister Chris Bowen with his nightmare portfolio going to Small Business Minister Brendan O'Connor.
Ms Gillard was still working on the changes last night and is expected to finalise the line up today.
Small Business is tipped to stay in Cabinet and some believe Treasurer Wayne Swan should add that portfolio to his job to elevate the importance of the sector ahead of the election.
Mental Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler may pick up Mr O'Connor's other portfolios of Housing and Homeless.
It is unclear if there will be a new Cabinet minister but there will be a new junior minister. Victorian Mark Dreyfus or Mike Kelly from NSW are among those who could be promoted.
There was no response from Senator Evans' office last night but his WA Senate colleague Mark Bishop confirmed his departure on Twitter.
"Resignation of Chris Evans a loss. Serious, hardworking competent minister. Unassuming, consistent and effective senate leader."
The low-profile Senator Evans has also been minister for industrial relations and as immigration minister dismantled the Pacific Solution, which Ms Gillard was forced to resurrect last year. He has been an MP since 1993.
The hungry queue outside the new Guzman y Gomez in Northbridge. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow
Mariachi International from Colombia perform outside Guzman y Gomez in Northbridge as hungry customers wait in line for their free burrito. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow
The new Guzman y Gomez in Northbridge. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow
THE hungry masses have descended on Northbridge - but it's more than just the lunch rush.
In a stroke of marketing genius, new Mexican restaurant Guzman y Gomez (GYG) is having a day of free burritos.
Not just for a couple of hours in the middle of the afternoon, but all day from 11am to 8pm, in an attempt to hook the hungry and break a burrito record.
When PerthNow went down this afternoon, the line was 60m long, more diners were lining up and the restaurant was pumping with hundreds of people, Latino music and a Mariachi band entertaining the hungry queue.
See the pictures from today's big opening
GYG Northbridge is the first restaurant in WA and 20th across Australia, with the free burrito day an opening tradition of the chain.
Owner Steven Marks pumps tens of thousands of dollars into the openings, flying a Mariachi band from Queensland and extra staff from Sydney for the day.
He started GYG with a friend back in 2006 when he moved from New York and noticed Mexican food in Australia left a lot to be desired.
They named GYG after two friends from home, with the purpose of spreading fresh, cheap Mexican food across the country.
"We wanted to introduce Mexican and Latin culture here," Mr Marks said.
"Everything is fresh, we opened the kitchen so people can see what we're cooking - the amount of fresh tomatoes and onions we go through."
Severe cyclones are more likely in the second half of the season, according to the BOM. Source: PerthNow
FORECASTERS say Western Australia can expect at least one more cyclone to batter the state before the end of March.
As the midpoint of the tropical cyclone season passed today, the Bureau of Meteorology issued their updated tropical cyclone outlook for WA for the next three months.
The Bureau and the state's Department of Fire and Emergency Services urged residents in the north-west not to become complacent, despite the state having escaped major damage from cyclones so far this season.
Andrew Burton, the Bureau's regional manager for severe weather services said the second half of the season was often busier than the first, and carried a higher chance of a severe tropical cyclone impact.
"By the end of February the tropical cyclone risk will increase, and we would expect to see at least one cyclone threaten the coast during March and early April'' Mr Burton said.
"Cyclones that form during this period are more likely to become severe tropical cyclones (Category 3 and above), so we often get our worst impacts in the second half of the season''.
Three tropical cyclones have formed off the north-west coast so far this season.
Mitchell passed well to the west of Northwest Cape late in December, followed by Narelle which tracked parallel to the north-west coast in mid January.
The only direct impact has been from Peta which hit the coast just east of Roebourne on January 23 as a Category 1 cyclone.
Nathan Buckley is hoping to improve on Collingwood's 16 wins last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun
AFL writers Jay Clark, Sam Edmund and Sam Landsberger predict how many matches your team will win in 2013.
Eskander's Betstar has released a market that allows punters to bet on whether each club will finish over or under the number of wins predicted by the bookmaker's forecasters.
See the line for each club below plus our expert assessments - and have your say by leaving a comment below or sending a message on Twitter to:
Jay Clark: @clarkyheraldsun
Sam Edmund: @sammyheraldsun
Sam Landsberger: @samlandsberger
Note: Tipsters were limited to selecting nine teams "over" and nine "under".
BEST BETS
EVERY CLUB RATED
ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 14 wins
Clark: Over ($1.80)
Fairly soft draw will ensure the Crows are bashing down the door of the top-four again. Love the kids such as Rory Sloane and Rising Star winner Daniel Talia. Hard-nut Brad Crouch is a ready-made beauty. Forget Tippett, this is the No.1 contested ball team from last year.
Edmund: Over ($1.80)
The second-year blues will hit and the loss of Tippett will hurt, but they'll get to 14.
Landsberger: Over ($1.80)
They say Tex is the new Buddy. With 12 games at AAMI Stadium and another soft draw they will cruise to 15 wins.
BRISBANE LIONS
Betstar line: 9.5 wins
Clark: Over ($1.90)
Tipping they're one of the big improvers this year. Play GWS, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs twice. Key forward presence the biggest query as Jon Brown nears the end.
Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Let's be honest, they fluked a few wins last year. Adelaide? West Coast? Please. Can't and won't happen again. Forward line looks thin to say the least. There's an over-reliance on Brown, who is another year older. If he goes down - again - they will struggle.
Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The Lions are a huge finals roughie with an underrated young list. Should easily replicate last year's tally of 10 wins.
New Carlton draftee Troy Menzel with coach Mick Malthouse. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun
Clark: Over ($1.90)
Mick has stumbled upon a pot of gold, as the Blues are ready to go. Expect a version of "the press" to be employed inside 50m and Robert Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer to improve markedly in 2013.
Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Maybe because they didn't have a high-performance coach nicknamed "The Weapon" the Blues' 2012 injury nightmare was often overlooked. When they were all on the park early the results were highly encouraging, which is why a mainly injury-free pre-season is cause for optimism. Oh, and that bloke Mick knows a thing or two about the game as well.
Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Mick doesn't muck around. Will finish the year like a steam train to give the top four a shake.
COLLINGWOOD
Betstar line: 15.5 wins
Clark: Over ($1.90)
Pies are raving about Quinten Lynch's summer form and Luke Ball and Lachy Keeffe return from knee recos. Got to be better in second season under Bucks.
Edmund: Over ($1.90)
This is quite simple. Despite a knee injury epidemic that claimed just about everyone bar the water boys, this mob still clawed its way to 16 wins last year. Throw in the Cloke contract saga and Buckley's first year as coach and that winning tally looks even more impressive. Young, Lynch and Russell all joined in a fruitful off-season ... I'll stop now, 15.5 wins is a monty.
Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The gloves are off, literally, and the all-star engine room will ensure a fifth-straight top-four finish.
Mover and shaker: Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has be chosen to join the eight-man leadership group at Windy Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun
Clark: Under ($1.90)
They've got the biggest name of the trade period in Brendon Goddard, but not convinced Hirdy's boys are top-eight material just yet.
Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Harder to read than a Chinese dictionary. Will this be the year their exhilarating early-season starts are maintained through the season, or will they again fade like your grandmother's carpet? Still think they're a bit light-on to get to 13 wins, despite the addition of Goddard and the undoubted talent of first-year forward Joe Daniher.
Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
BJ's onboard but finding another three wins looks a stretch. Can still go under and make finals.
FREMANTLE
Betstar line: 14 wins
Clark: Under ($1.90)
One of the toughest to pick, because the signs in the elimination final win over Geelong were ultra-impressive. But, even with Ross the boss in charge, Dockers will need full seasons from Pavlich, Sandilands and McPharlin to hit the 14-win mark.
Edmund: Over ($1.90)
It's very difficult to believe the Dockers, exposed to another summer of Ross Lyon's tactical genius, can't eclipse the 14-win mark. They got their last year despite slumping to 6-7 after Round 14 - about the same time everyone in purple was calling for the coach's head. That's when Lyon's message started sinking in.
Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A tough one. Pav's back is a worry, Morabito is out, the defence lost a chunk of depth and it might take one more season to hit full throttle under Ross Lyon.
Tom Hawkins celebrates with his teammates after kicking the winning goal after the siren to continue Hawthorn's run of outs against the Cats. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
Clark: Over ($1.85)
Lots to like about their trade period, once again. Josh Caddy is starring over summer and Hamish McIntosh is an upgrade ruck/forward. Can't see them being beaten at home when they finally get on Simonds Stadium from mid-season.
Edmund: Over ($1.85)
The aura may have softened, but this is a side still devastating on its day. The recruitment of Rivers and McIntosh were masterstrokes. If history is any guide they won't drop off the cliff.
Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
Could hit panic stations early and it'll be hard to recover despite the spate of Simonds Stadium matches in the run home.
GOLD COAST
Betstar line: 5 wins
Clark: Under ($1.90)
Expecting the Paul Roos to Gold Coast talk to fire up midway through the year. Can't dispute the level of talent but haven't seen enough on-field signs to suggest they will flourish in year three. Jaeger O'Meara will provide some joy, though.
Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Missed out on the power forward they so desperately need. Ablett, Bennell and Co can dominate all they like, but when the ball flies straight back over their heads ad nauseam, you don't win too many games. No doubt the kids will improve - they have to - but five wins? Can't see it.
Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Is there such a thing as third-year blues? Can't see the Suns doubling their wins tally.
GWS
Betstar line: 5 wins
Clark: Under ($1.90)
We know they will be a powerhouse but another year at the bottom beckons in 2013.
EDMUND: Unders ($1.90)
No Izzy, no GWS.
Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Leon Cameron will take over a two-time wooden-spoon side. But that'll just make the Giants even scarier in the long term.
Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun
Clark: Over ($1.85)
Seventeen wins is achievable if they can navigate an exceptionally tough first month. Won 17 last year and added Brian Lake.
Edmund: Over ($1.85)
Will be slapped in the face early by the draw from hell, but we're talking about a side that notched 17 wins last year. Add Brian Lake and surely, surely, they can get going and rack up at least 16.5 victories.
Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
It's a tough draw on paper, but so are the Hawks. Not going to drop six matches when just four are at hostile venues.
MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 6.5 wins
Clark: Over ($1.90)
The Dees play GWS, Gold Coast and the Bulldogs twice each. Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas will make an immediate impression onball and Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes make a potent double act up forward. Surely, Dees.
Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Did their bit for the AFL environment over the trade and free agency period, recycling like mad men. Rodan, Byrnes, Dawes and Pederson aren't matchwinners, but they add much-needed depth and experience. Will be fitter, stronger and surely more accomplished at executing Mark Neeld's game plan.
Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Viney out of the middle, hands it to Byrnes who goes long, Clark can't mark but Dawes gathers, snaps… goal. It's a new-look Dees this year, with developing a winning culture the No.1 priority.
Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun
Clark: Over ($1.85)
Won't be a walk in the park as the Roos confront a much tougher draw this year and will miss Boomer for the first six matches. Still, a side on track to contend for top four in 2014 should have 12 wins by Round 20.
Edmund: Under ($1.95)
Any mental demons from that embarrassing elimination final exit at the hands of West Coast will be flushed out by a tough opening to the season in which they face Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney. There's no Boomer for the first six rounds and McIntosh and Edwards were allowed to leave over summer. Not much came back the other way.
Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
How much mental scarring will that embarrassing elimination final showing leave?
PORT ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 5 wins
Clark: Over ($1.85)
Hard to erase memories of being knocked off by GWS and Gold Coast in past two years but surely they will finally take some steps forward this year, under Ken Hinkley. Improvement from a fit Hamish Hartlett and John Butcher is the key.
Edmund: Under ($1.95)
No, no no. Just no.
Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
The regenerated Power will surprise plenty this year. Should scratch and crawl their way to six wins.
Clark: Under ($1.90)
The Tigers' fortunes will be one of the stories of the year and it's all going to happen at the back end of the season when the Tigers confront some lower-placed sides. Despite the hype, they will fall just short.
Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Put it this way, if the Tigers don't make the eight this year don't worry about a trailer of manure on the doorstep, the ME Bank Centre might be buried under the stuff. Despite their loyalty, patience has just about expired among Tiger fans and fair enough. The recruiting blunders are a thing of the past. Chaplin, Edwards, Knights, Petterd and Lonergan are great additions and Cotchin will thrive on captaincy duties. In the words of Sam Kekovich, you know it makes sense.
Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
It's Tiger Time. Nuff said.
ST KILDA
Betstar line: 9 wins
Clark: Under ($1.95)
Down year coming up for the Saints, despite the exciting batch of first-to-third year youngsters coming through. Time to regenerate.
Edmund: Under ($1.95)
When you look at the St Kilda list you see a gap between their mature stars and their kids about as wide as the Grand Canyon. And this why the slide will be on in 2013. Goddard is gone and that core group of stars - Riewoldt, Montagna, Dal Santo and Co - won't get any better. Expect a quiet year or two.
Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
They've got 18 leaders but are looking at half that number in wins. Still, on the right track.
St Kilda coach Scott Watters, left, and captain Nick Riewoldt watch a Denver Broncos training session in Englewood, Colorado. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images
Clark: Under ($1.85)
The Swans played out of their skins last year and credit to them. Even with Kurt Tippett in the fold I can't see them replicating last year's heroics.
Edmund: Under (1.85)
We underestimate them every year, so why stop now? Rivals will have done their homework, Goodes will be a slow starter and Tippett won't play until mid-year and probably cause all manner of distraction along the way. Even the Swans could suffer the good ol' fashioned premiership hangover.
Landsberger: Over ($1.95)
Won 16 last year and then picked up a bloke called Kurt Tippett. Won't lose at home.
2012 Grand Final. Hawthorn v Sydney Swans. MCG. Sydney players on the podium as Bob Skilton looks on. Source: Herald Sun
Clark: Under ($1.90)
Two things worry me: Nic Nat's groin and Fremantle's knack of topping them at Subi. Still a threat in finals.
Edmund: Over ($1.90)
There's a buzz team every summer and this time it's the Eagles. Why? Aside from the fact they were hard to beat last year, they've added Wellingham, goalkickers LeCras and Nicoski return, while Kennedy can't be that unlucky again.
Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Could hinge on the two derbies. The line here is spot on – tough to call.
Welcome to the major league, lads: Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae after being selected at No.5 and No.6 by the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Betstar line: 4 wins
Clark: Under ($1.90)
Only play Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and GWS once each. Adam Cooney is up and about but games against Melbourne will determine whether the Dogs cover the line this year.
Edmund: Under ($1.90)
You can surround your club with football royalty, but come Round 12, they'll be asking Scarlett and Mooney to pull the boots on. Lake leaves a hole they can't yet fill and for all the promise shown by the likes of Wallis and Libba, the list looks thin on the ground.
Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A horror draw makes life tough, but wins-losses aside, the future is bright at the kennel.
Perth experienced one of its hottest and driest Januarys in recent memory. Source: PerthNow
PERTH has recorded its driest January in three years and higher than average minimum temperatures.
The metropolitan area recorded 7.2mm of rainfall over five days this month, close to the long-term average of 9.7 mm.
The most rain was recorded on January 7, with 4.8mm, and it was the driest January since 2010, when no measurable rain fell.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this month was also had above average minimum temperatures.
Perth's average daily minimum in January 2013 was 19.3 °C, which was well above the long-term mean of 18°C.
The first two days of 2013 saw warm overnight conditions for most sites, with temperatures in the low-to-mid twenties, whilst consecutive warm to hot nights were experienced between January 6 and 9, and 13 and 16.
Perth Airport recorded its hottest January night in 69 years of record with a daily minimum temperature of 27.8 °C on January 15 - its previous high of 27.3 °C was set in 1989.
The highest minimum temperature in the metropolitan area went to Gosnells, which had a 29°C night this month.
The hottest day in Perth this month was recorded on January 8 at the Pearce RAAF Airbase, with 41.1°C.
Shane Warne has delivered Part 1 of his manifesto, outlining what he thinks is wrong with Australian cricket. Picture: Foxtel Source: Supplied
HE missed his promised 5pm deadline, but Shane Warne has delivered on Part 1 of his manifesto detailing his views on the things he perceives to be wrong with Australian cricket.
The national selection panel is squarely in his firing line. Warne advocates a clean-out with Rod Marsh the only survivor of the current crop led by John Inverarity.
Warne's selectors would be Rod Marsh (Chairman), Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn and his old partner in wicket-taking crime, Glenn McGrath.
Warne has also named his preferred support staff. They are:
CEO of cricket or GM: Mark Taylor:
Who Warne describes as wonderful communicator who is very approachable and respected.
Coach: Stephen Fleming:
The Kiwi who Warne describes as the best opposition Captain he played against and a calm, intelligent leader
Assistant Coach: Darren "Boof" Lehmann:
Warne says he understands the game as "good" as anyone and is a good balance of old school and new school
Batting Coaches: Mike Hussey / Michael Bevan:
Warne describes them as respected players who grasp all forms of the game.
Bowling Coaches: Merv Hughes / Bruce Reid:
Warne says they were very clever bowlers who have a great attitude and a passion for the game.
Consultant: Ian Chappell:
Warne would have Chappell on call as a sounding board for any player to talk to at anytime and be around the group when needed. He says "Chaps" was the biggest influence on his cricketing career, with an understanding of the game is second to none.
"All the above people are cricket people, not rugby, tennis or from any other sporting code," Warne writes.
"They all understand the game of cricket, they have lived and breathed the game for a long time and most importantly have the best interests of Australian cricket at heart, along with being super passionate and above all, they just love the game."
Six years after his retirement from Test cricket, Warne remains a divisive figure. But few people doubt his cricket brain or his understanding of what makes a champion team tick.
Warne in his heyday was famed not just for his skill with ball in hand, but for his intuition.
For him, cricket was always a game of feel. Science could only help so much, which is one reason why he rarely saw eye-to-eye with coach John Buchanan.
It's for these reasons that Warne has chosen people who are not sports scientists for his dream team running Australian cricket.
As he wrote just then: "Cricket is a simple game; sure it has room and a place for scientific research and current technology, which can help learn about an opponent, but not instead of using your cricket brain, together they can work hand in hand.
"It's time to go back to basics. Too many people are justifying their existence."
Shane Warne has delivered his promised manifesto on the future of Australian cricket. Source: Getty Images
SHANE Warne has delivered his promised manifesto for the future of Australian cricket - and nominated Kiwi Stephen Fleming as his preferred coach of the Test team.
Warne, who claims cricket's controversial rotation policy can never work, has also suggested former Australian captain Mark Taylor replace Pat Howard as the Australian team's performance boss.
READ WARNE'S FULL STATEMENT BELOW
The leg-spin king says he will be discussing his plan for the future with CA boss James Sutherland next week.
Warne believes Australian players must take ownership of their positions and refuse to be rotated.
"A simple criteria is pick your best team and stick with it in all forms, then the players get used (to) playing together and being with one another on tour, you get to know the person, too much chopping and changing leads to insecurity, players then start to look out for themselves and over their shoulder, this breeds selfishness," Warne wrote.
Warne posted his blueprint for the future of Australian cricket on his website on to more than 1 million followers on Twitter.
It came after Warne referred to Howard and selection boss John Inverarity as "muppets" on Monday night following Australia's narrow loss to Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 match at the MCG.
WARNE'S FULL STATEMENT
As an emotional, passionate and Australian cricket team supporter (and player) for the best part of 20 years (a proud one too) I, like many others am frustrated on many levels at present.
The next 12 months is the biggest 12 months of cricket for the Australian cricket team in a long, long time. If we do nothing now, we will be where we were 30 years ago.
There needs to be urgent action and a new strategy / plan put in place. The current set up is not working, as the results are showing! What are our world rankings in all forms?
SELECTING OF TEAMS
This is a vey tough gig as everyone in Australia thinks they can pick the best team, it's a subject that's discussed in boardrooms, pubs, schools and so on...
In my view, selecting a player is not based solely on statistics and averages, it can be used as a guide sure, but the objective of a Selector is to look at when players get their runs and wickets, which shows character and a good temperament when under pressure, along with their talent. Then they can trust themselves when making the next step into international cricket. There are many other ingredients that go into selecting a player, but this should be the basis of being selected.
A simple criteria is pick your best team and stick with it in all forms, then the players get used playing together and being with one another on tour, you get to know the person, too much chopping and changing leads to insecurity, players then start to look out for themselves and over their shoulder, this breeds selfishness.
It's also why rotation and resting players will never work. I believe the players should be united, take ownership of this, it's a very powerful and strong message to send to CA if the players message is "I do not want to be rested or rotated I want to play every game, if I don't perform drop me". If this decision comes from the players then CA have to respect that and follow suit on selection accordingly, this will then mean someone is accountable.
In any sport once you have proven to yourself that you are good enough to play at the top level, you know if you perform you will be picked for the next game, that's when you play at your best as you have confidence and are more relaxed. The team should be selected first, not the captain, the captain will be chosen from the team selected.
We have the best batsmen/captain in world cricket at the moment in Michael Clarke and the spine of a good team with Warner, Watson, Wade, Siddle and Lyon, the rest of the spots are up for grabs in my opinion. Opportunities for players now are there for the taking.
The coach should not be a selector as he should be a confidante for the players, the captain should be though. I could go on here for a while.
So, to my dream team, I could be completely wrong and barking up the wrong tree, but in my opinion if the following people were to fill these roles, then Australian cricket would be in good hands and a great chance of getting back to number 1, as I believe the talent is there in domestic cricket - to have a great Australian team for now and for the future.
SELECTORS
Rod Marsh (Chairman)
Mark Waugh
Damien Martyn
Glenn McGrath
The people who I would put in charge of cricket if available and willing, along with the above selectors (you can give them any title you want) would be:
CEO of cricket or GM: Mark Taylor
Boss man, cricket supremo. The coach, captain and support staff are answerable to Tub. Tub is in charge of all things cricket. The reason why I would choose Mark is that he has an understanding from both sides and is a wonderful communicator as well as being very approachable and respected.
Coach: Stephen Fleming
In my time Stephen was the best opposition Captain we played against and seeing what Stephen has done first hand re his coaching roles along with knowing him well personally, I believe he brings alot to the table, a calmness, an intelligent understanding of the game and a very good cricket brain. He's a good communicator too as well as a good leader of men.
Assistant Coach: Darren "Boof" Lehmann
Boof understands the game as good as anyone and has a great outlook on the game, he's a good balance of old school and what the needs are of the current day player.
Batting Coaches: Mike Hussey/Michael Bevan
Both respected players and grasp all forms of the game. These guys would be around the team when needed, depending on which form of the game is being played. The coach would liaise with both and give them clarity on when they are required and to be around the group.
Bowling Coaches: Merv Hughes/Bruce Reid
Both have been wonderful players and understand what works and what doesn't, they also were very clever bowlers and have experience, both have a great attitude and a passion for the game too.
Consultant: Ian Chappell
Be on call as a sounding board for any player to talk to at anytime and be around the group when needed. Chaps has been the biggest influence on my cricketing career and understands the game and people. He's understanding of the game is second to none. He was a great all-round cricketer and also the best Captain to have ever played the game from any country.
All the above people are cricket people, not rugby, tennis or from any other sporting code. They all understand the game of cricket, they have lived and breathed the game for a long time and most importantly have the best interests of Australian cricket at heart, along with being super passionate and above all, they just love the game.
SUMMARY
Cricket is a simple game; sure it has room and a place for scientific research and current technology, which can help learn about an opponent, but not instead of using your cricket brain, together they can work hand in hand. Technology can help in recovery, but so can sleep and a common sense approach to recovery.
You cannot re-invent the wheel in cricket, if a player wants to become a better slip fielder, catch more balls, want to get better at bowling a Yorker practice bowling and hitting a target (Malinga and a shoe) and so on.
It's time to go back to basics. Too many people are justifying their existence.
I will be discussing these points and Part 2 with James Sutherland in the next week.
I hope this piece opens the floodgates for discussion and a positive outcome. I'm no guru, just a concerned ex cricketer who loves Australian cricket and is passionate about the white floppy hat!
The price of unleaded petrol has been rising as world prices have been falling. Source: HWT Image Library
PETROL prices are going to hit almost 150 cents a litre tomorrow, with motorists encouraged to hit the bowsers today to save money.
Most Caltex and Coles Express outlets are expected to hike up their unleaded petrol price by 16 cents to 149.9cpl, while BP, Caltex Woolworths, Gull and Peak will jump up to 148.9cpl.
Watchdog FuelWatch urged drivers to fill up this afternoon and pay no more than 134.9cpl.
Today's cheapest unleaded petrol:
- 129.9cpl at Gull High Wycombe
- 129.8cpl at Caltex Woolworths Southern River
- 129.9cpl at Gull Joondalup
Visit www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au for more information
New Rio Tinto boss Sam Walsh has resigned from Seven West Media. Source: The Australian
NEWLY appointed Rio Tinto chief Sam Walsh has resigned from the board of Seven West Media.
Mr Walsh was named Rio Tinto's chief executive earlier this month after the shock departure of Tom Albanese.
He was formerly the head of Rio Tinto's iron ore division, based in Perth, but will relocate to London.
Mr Walsh had been a director of the company for seven years.
Seven West chairman Kerry Stokes said Mr Walsh played an "outstanding role" as director.
"We congratulate him on his new role at Rio Tinto and understand the time and geographical constraints that have led to his decision to resign from the board of Seven West Media," Mr Stokes said.
"The board of directors will be actively pursuing the appointment of a new independent director to the company to replace Sam,'' Mr Stokes said.
THE ambitious $3.8 billion Perth rail plan that's a centrepiece of Western Australia Labor's election campaign has been dismissed as fantasy by Premier Colin Barnett.
The campaign ahead of the March 9 poll moved up a gear on Tuesday, with Labor leader Mark McGowan unveiling a proposal to build a $731.5 million rail line to Perth Airport as part of the party's Metronet plan to ease Perth's growing congestion crisis.
But making his own announcement about free public transport for carers, Mr Barnett said parts of Labor's grand rail plan were unrealistic.
"Labor has released a transport plan with rail lines going everywhere, so it is up to Labor if they are to have credibility to come out and commit to which projects are real and which ones are fantasy and to provide accurate costings," Mr Barnett told reporters.
"Labor has vague ideas and maps that look like the London Underground when the rails are not going to look anything like that, and (Mark McGowan) is making promises that will connect every suburb in Perth.
"That is not reality - what you have now is a government that what it says it will do, it does, and it does it on time and on budget."
WA Labor on Tuesday revealed its Metronet plan would cost $3.8 billion over eight years but this figure did not include costings for rail cars.
Mr McGowan said the party had a track record of delivering rail projects in the state, referring to the Perth-to-Mandurah line, which was completed in 2007 under Alan Carpenter's leadership.
State treasurer Troy Buswell has previously claimed Labor's rail plan would cost $6.4 billion, a figure Mr Barnett said he was confident was more accurate than the Labor Party's costing.
Grandmother Helen Bromley, who was murdered at her Mandurah home in October 2010. Source: PerthNow
A WEST Australian man convicted of bludgeoning an elderly woman to death with a tomahawk and robbing her has been sentenced to life in prison.
Colin Peter Casey was sentenced in the Supreme Court today for the murder of 73-year-old grandmother Helen Bromley at her Mandurah home, south of Perth, on October 8, 2010.
Prosecutor Amanda Burrows said Casey went to Ms Bromley's home intending to steal money for drugs and when she confronted him on her patio, he panicked and picked up a tomahawk that was nearby.
When Ms Bromley told him she was going to call the police and turned to go back into the house, Casey struck her twice on the head and punctured her skull, causing blood loss and exposing her brain.
He then covered her body and stole some jewellery before fleeing, Ms Burrows said.
Casey's lawyer Mara Barone argued that while it was a violent offence against a defenceless woman, the attack was unplanned and Casey had had no desire to hurt her.
Ms Barone said the attack was a "callous overreaction" after Ms Bromley said she was going to call the police.
He had not struck her once she was down, she said.
"It was done not with any clear thought at all," she said. "It as an impulsive and panicked decision."
Ms Barone said her client was a functioning drug user until he started taking amphetamines and his "life fell to tatters".
Reading from a report, Ms Barone quoted Casey as saying he accepted that he had to be imprisoned for taking someone else's life and apologised to Ms Bromley's family.
"I can't even imagine what they are going through," he said. "I don't know how to say I'm any more sorry.
"I took a life so I deserve to give mine."
In her submissions, Ms Burrows said although Casey did not have a violent criminal history, he did have 44 convictions against him.
"It shows a continuing disregard for the law," she said.
In a victim impact statement, Ms Bromley's daughter said she felt separated from the world since her mother's murder.
"We've been in limbo for so long ... the nightmare never stops," she said.
"My family should never have been put through all this."
Casey was arrested on September 2, 2011 and has been in custody since then.
While Justice Eric Heenan sentenced Casey to life in prison, he deferred setting a minimum term until February 15.
Any sentence for the aggravated burglary charge will be served concurrently with the murder sentence.
WA Premier Colin Barnett has threatened to withdraw federal election funding with a commitment to GST reform. Source: The Sunday Times
WA PREMIER Colin Barnett has threatened to cut off funding to the federal Liberal party for the forthcoming election campaign unless he gets a promise on GST reform.
sAs the State Election battle in the west kicked off in earnest, Mr Barnett seemed intent on picking a fight with both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott over the contentious GST reform review program.
Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson reportedly told the states and territories that there will be no substantive reforms to the system, which infuriated WA, Victoria and NSW who had wanted an overhaul so payments are calculated on a per capita basis.
Labor's rail plan to cost $3.8b
Opposition firm on chilled meat export plan
Barnett says Metronet is a fantasy
With WA claiming the boom state will receive 35 cents for each GST dollar collected in the west in 2015-16, Mr Barnett said without a promise from Mr Abbott, there could be consequences for the federal campaign.
"That will be a critical issue in a federal campaign. The last election, there was massive funding from WA toward the national Liberal campaign - that will be reliant on a commitment on GST,'' Mr Barnett said.
"The support the federal Liberals (get) from WA will depend on the GST issue.
"That is the number one issue for the federal campaign and he (Mr Abbott) knows my view very, very well.''
Mr Barnett, using a well-worn tactic of standing up to Canberra as his own election credentials were being scrutinised, fired several shots at the prime minister, accusing here of ignoring and dismissing WA.
"Julia Gillard makes speeches about reform in Australia, here was one of the most obvious and important economic reforms for the future of Australia,'' Mr Barnett said on Tuesday.
"Labor has ignored WA and the approach coming from Labor is to rob this state to fund other states.
"We have not got the result ... the consequence of it is that the Australian economy will not grow as quickly as it could.''
A 23-YEAR-OLD man who struck a Mercedes-owner in the head with a machete in a bid to steal the vehicle has been sentenced to three years in prison.
The District Court of Western Australia was told Lawrence John Cashin attempted to carjack the 24-year-old victim while he sat with his girlfriend parked on a street in the northern Perth suburb of Girrawheen on May 13 last year.
During the attack, Cashin threatened to kill the male victim and struck him with a machete on the top of his head and near his ear.
Throughout the ordeal, the victim's girlfriend was cowering on the floor of the car.
"The victim was screaming, the girlfriend wouldn't get out of the car, and ultimately you ran off," Judge Gillian Braddock said during the sentencing.
"Not only did the victim suffer the deep lacerations to the top of the head and the ear, to need to go to hospital and be treated there, it must have been a totally terrifying experience for them."
Judge Braddock said Cashin was at high risk of violent reoffending, given he had a traumatic early life and addictions.
He was beginning to realise the need to address his problems and was attempting to parent his girlfriend's daughter, so there was hope for reform but it wouldn't be easy, Judge Braddock said.
An aerial view of East Bundaberg. PIC: Paul Beutel Source: The Courier-Mail
BUNDABERG faces a monster flood powerful enough to knock over houses as Brisbane endures its second major flood in two years.
11.02pm: The Brisbane CBD kept relatively dry tonight, with the Brisbane River remaining within its banks despite a high tide around 10.30pm.
The river inundated waterfront establishments earlier today before receding, leaving a small amount of scattered debris but not enough to deter joggers and couples out for a stroll.
Nervous staff have sandbagged around the borders of their restaurants, with the water expected to rise again tomorrow morning and potentially again on Wednesday.
Trucks stationed along Eagle St pumped water from underground car parks, with many remaining closed and cordoned off to traffic.
10.20pm: A three-year-old boy has died in hospital, taking the total number of people killed by Queensland's flood disaster to four.
The young boy and a 34-year-old woman suffered head injuries when a tree fell on them at Gordon Park, in Brisbane's north, on Monday morning.
Shortly before 10pm, Queensland police released a statement saying he had died in Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Initial information suggests that the woman and three-year-old boy were standing on Kedron Brook bikeway when they were struck by the tree about 8.30am.
They were both taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
In other incidents, a motorcyclist's body was pulled from the Oxley Creek, south of Brisbane, on Monday.
He was seen being swept from his bike at Greenbank at Logan late on Sunday night.
An 81-year-old man's body was also pulled from the water near Bundaberg and a 27-year-old man died when he tried to cross a flooded creek near Gympie.
8.47: Issues affecting Telstra customers have been fixed and Triple Zero (000) calls across Queensland are now available
8.12pm: Brisbane is facing commuter chaos on Tuesday with central rail lines damaged in severe storms not expected to be repaired until Wednesday.
As the city prepares for flooding which could affect thousands of homes and businesses on Tuesday, the state government has warned that no train services will operate to the central Brisbane stations of Central, Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills before Wednesday.
A helicopter rescue at Fairmead on the Burnett River downstream of Bundaberg. PIC: Beutel Paul
Up to 40,000 passengers use the stations during peak times and passengers are being advised to avoid travelling during peak times, use alternative transport, or allow for delays.
"Passengers planning to use trains to the CBD tomorrow should carefully consider their options," Transport Minister Scott Emerson said in a statement on Monday.
"There are unlikely to be sufficient buses available in Brisbane to handle the load if all regular train commuters make the journey to the city at the same time tomorrow."
Scaffolding from a building site in Fortitude Valley has damaged the line between Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills stations.
Services to the city will terminate at either Roma Street or Albion.
Mr Emerson said crews were working around the clock to repair the damage but they won't finish before Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday just two of the four tracks on the central line will be open.
7.05pm: The Department of Education has released an updated list of school closures due to wet weather and floods - PLEASE CHECK YOUR SCHOOLS HERE.
Masterchef contestant and Jellyfish head chef Rhett Willis says the Eagle Street pier restaurant will be inundated, but not as bad as in 2011.
6.53pm: LOGAN residents are facing a once-in-20 years flood crisis as local rivers continue to rise tonight.
Dozens of residents in low-lying areas on the Albert River around Beenleigh were told to prepare to evacuate.
Water was lapping ominously close to properties in suburbs including Mt Warren Park, Eagleby and Waterford, with some yards inundated.
"We've never seen the water this high before," said Nola Bearcock, who has lived with her husband at Mt Warren Park for 10 years.
"It's definitely higher than 2011. The park behind our house must be under about six metres of water."
South Maclean residents are bracing for a 17m flood peak tonight, while Waterford residents awaiting a 9m river height on Tuesday morning.
Logan mayor Pam Parker said the flood was not expected to reach 1974 levels but needed to be taken 'extremely seriously'
"Data we have received indicates it is a one in 20 year flood event," she said.
Cr Parker said the council would open evacuation centres if needed.
Volunteers fill and load sandbags at the Ipswich SES. Picture: Mark Calleja
"We do not want to release any locations at this stage until we can be sure they are accessible to residents," she said.
6.45pm: The 6pm flood peak at Ipswich saw the Bremer River at 13.5 metres, about 1.5 metres below its projected peak.
Authorities have warned that there is still the possibility of a higher peak closer to that originally predicted somewhere between 6pm and midnight.
Ipswich Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said: "for the people I'm talking to, just half a metre can make a world of difference."
While the number of properties that may be affected had been downgraded to as few as 200, Cr Antoniolli said "it is like slow torture just watching the water and this slow crawl upwards".
6.15pm: Travellers trapped as Warwick isolated - Warwick remains cut in all directions tonight as the Condamine River continues to rise, trapping hundreds of residents and motorists.
Friends and neighbours help evacuate belongings from houses in Keogh St, West Ipswich. Picture: Mark Calleja
5.53pm: Latest number of homes and businesses without power in Southeast Queensland stands at 227,000.
5.43pm: THE Australian Defence Force (ADF) has joined the flood effort in dramatic fashion, being tasked to evacuate patients at Bundaberg Hospital to Brisbane.
A Joint Task Force (JTF) will assist with the transfer of 131 patients, 67 of whom require wheelchairs, and another 28 on stretchers.
The JTF was also assisting with damage reconnaissance, forward planning and prioritisation of debris removal.
The evacuation is the clearest indication of the rapidly growing crisis in Bundaberg which is facing its worst flood on record.
Just a few hours ago Premier Campbell Newman said patients on the lower level of the hospital would be moved to upper floors.
The ADF is also assisting with the evacuation of about 1500 people trapped by floodwaters in north Bundaberg which is at greatest risk of the rising Burnett River.
Mr Newman said it was entirely possible houses could be swept away by the fast-flowing river.
Removal of the Mooloolaba life savers tower on the Sunshine Coast. The nearby boat ramp had already been destroyed. Picture: Elise Poli
He said the speed at which the river was flowing made evacuation by boat impossible, and all roads into the area were impassable.
It is hoped most people can be airlifted out of the area by 7pm.
A total of 14 aircraft are assisting including the two Army Blackhawks, and 12 civilian aircraft.
5.13pm: Queensland police have declared a Disaster situation for Brisbane.
The warning includes areas of the Brisbane City and Redlands Council.
In accordance with disaster declaration, evacuation centres have opened in Southeast Queensland.
A police spokeswoman said anyone who wants to self evacuate can go to one of the centres manned by emergency services workers.
There were no numbers of self evacuations for Brisbane City or Redlands Council at this stage but she said they expect some activity over night and in the next few days.
A car appears from nowhere and almost runs over two police officers from foam caused by the storm system currently over Queensland. Source: Mick Bell
"Anyone who feels unsafe, or has damage to their home should head to an evacuation centre," she said.
Check mypolice.qld.gov.au for a full list of centre location and what to bring.
5.07pm: Phone services have been restored to Townsville and Mount Isa after phone services were disrupted for hundreds of thousands of people across the entire state today.
Anyone in need of non urgent help or reporting incidents are advised to call policelink on 131 444.
5.03pm: A landslide at Waterford, near Logan has forced the evacuation of multiple homes.
Police confirmed an emergency situation under the public safety preservation act was declared and four houses in Undara Place were evacuated around 4pm.
No was injured as residents voluntarily left their homes. Early investigations show no serious damage to houses in the area.
Doug Rapson and Morgan Ruig, residents of Torwood Street in Rosalie, move their belongings from the floods. PIC: Darren England
Queensland Rail has closed Beenleigh Train Station due to flooding in the car park. A spokeswoman said to avoid using any trains unless necessary.
4.30pm: Full list of flood school closures - More than 220 state schools - about one in five - will be closed for the first day of school on Tuesday.
4:12pm: QUEENSLAND'S telecommunications blackout is now state-wide with loss of phone, mobiles, internet and Triple Zero access from Coolangatta to the Cape. Telstra's fibre optic cables have been cut by floods causing IT systems to crash and wreaking havoc on airports, banks and shops in a meltdown likely to take days to fix.
4:06pm: The current wave of natural disasters will have an impact on the federal budget, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.
Asked if the summer of heatwaves, fires and floods would hit the budget, Mr Swan said: "Of course it will, of course it does."
In the wake of the 2011 floods in Queensland and Victoria, the federal government introduced a flood levy on taxpayers to cover the cost of the disasters.
Mr Swan said on Monday it was too early to think about whether the levy should be resumed.
"Yes, there is the dollar impact, but what we're focusing on today is the human impact of these events," he told Sky News on Monday.
Last December, Mr Swan conceded the government would be "unlikely" to honour its promise to bring the budget back into the black in 2012/13, because jobs and economic growth would be at risk if it pursued further budget cuts.
3.19pm: MPs in flood zones - Leaders from both sides of the political divide have headed to flood-struck Queensland towns, vowing to do all possible to respond to the crisis.
2.57pm: SEQ power update - Almost 250,000 - one in four homes or businesses in southeast Queensland - have been without power since Saturday while strong gusts and floods continue to hinder the network.
2.56pm: Toddler critical after hit by falling tree - A three-year-old boy is in a critical condition with head injuries after a tree fell on him and his mother on the banks of Kedron Brook at Gordon Park on Monday morning.
The Brisbane CBD suffered extensive damage from high winds and flooding linked to ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
2.45pm: Keith Urban concert cancelled - Keith Urban's concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, originally rescheduled for tonight has been cancelled again.
2:31pm: Government expecting major flood damage in Bundaberg with the Burnett River running at 40 knots - so fast that rescue by boat will be very difficult and the force of the water is such that houses could be completely washed away.
All emergency personnel are descending on Bundaberg as an unexpected wall of water descends on the town.
Additional swiftwater rescue and emergency choppers have been despatched to the city to help evacuate residents from areas at risk.
Mr Newman said the situation in the city was extremely serious because of a record flood.
He said the velocity of the water flowing through north Bundaberg meant houses could be swept from their stumps.
The Brisbane CBD suffered extensive damage from high winds and flooding linked to ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
"Some estimates have put it at 40 knots," he said.
"The velocity of the water, and the rises in the water levels, means that literally houses, particularly in north Bundaberg, and maybe other locations, could be swept away."
Mr Newman said level of the Burnett River was at nine metres, and rising.
Authorities are saying the Burnett River is expected to peak above 9.15m during late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
"These are record floods. We are in uncharted territories," Mr Newman said.
He said more than 2000 properties were affected in Bundaberg, and that had impacted on thousands of people.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued earlier on Monday for people in north Bundaberg, and some other low-lying parts of the city.
Mr Newman said people should not risk their lives.
"If it is safe for you to do so, get out now," he said.
The Brisbane CBD suffered extensive damage from high winds and flooding linked to ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
Mr Newman said residents in north Bundaberg were at risk of being trapped.
"People have been self-evacuating over the past few hours but there are still people in there," Mr Newman said.
"Obviously this is very dangerous because the floodwaters are projected to continue to rise. It is a very hazardous situation."
Mr Newman promised helicopters were being mustered to airlift people out, with 14 aircraft available to help.
Mass mandatory evacuations are underway at north Bundaberg after the Burnett River breached its banks.
Authorities are saying the Burnett River is expected to peak above 9.15m during late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
1:54PM: Brief respite along the Brisbane River as a falling tide drops water levels by 80cm. Next high tide at 10.30pm. That will be lower than today's peak. But tomorrow's high tide around 11am will be the same as today - but will coincide with the expected peak in floodwaters coming down the river.
Emergency crews respond to reports of injuries near flooded Kedron Brook in Brisbane's north. Picture: Rodney Chester
1.30PM: HOURS ahead of the expected flood peak in Ipswich the mud army is out in force, working to save as much as possible from the rising waters.
At SES regional headquarters in Thorn Street Ipswich, utes and cars with box trailers queue around the block as residents wait to load as many sandbags as sagging springs can manage to haul away.
Nathan Cowelll and his mate Tom Anderson are waiting near the head of the queue for their first load.
They're doing the sandbag run for family friends who live at North Booval.
A few cars further on Corey Bracken is hauling sandbags into the boot of his Commodore, ably assisted by Riley and Jackson.
Corey says his family should be ok, but his sister's dance studio at Bundamba is not looking too flash.
"We saw it on Facebook and just jumped in the car to do what we could," he said.
Volunteers were filling sandbags late into the night on Sunday, helped by automatic hoppers and dozens of willing hands.
Ipswich Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the region is expecting some 500 properties to experience some degree of inundation with residents requiring evacuation.
Strong winds leave a yacht with torn sails on the Brisbane River at Breakfast Creek. Picture: Neale Maynard
"This time we are better prepared, though the downside is people are very spooked given what we went through two years ago," he said.
"Certainly it is helpful that the Bureau of Meteorology and the dam operators are working together this time."
Cr Antoniolli said the big difference with this flood compared to 2011 is that "this time water is flowing into all catchments, not just the one catchment."
"The goal is to get all vulnerable residents evacuated by nightfall," he said.
That is certainly the reality in Keogh Street, West Ipswich.
Karen Roycroft has seen it all before, having lost just about everything in 2011.
"We thought that was supposed to be a once-in-a-100 year flood but here we go again," she said.
"We got most of it out this time. In 2011 there just wasn't time."
Chevy Wilson has been helping cart the contents of a mate's place to safety by boat.
There is only enough room in the boat for the furniture, so Chevy is swimming beside it.
"I had my first ever beer in that house, of course I'm going to help out," he said.
1.15PM: The Miami Hotel on the Gold Coast has just been evacuated after its roof peeled off in the still-savage wind.
The popular pub is on the beachfront where wind gusts of almost 100km/h have been recorded today.
Loose roofing from the hotel is also threatening to bring down power lines and emergency crews are on the scene.
12.16PM: Part of the roof of the Tweed Heads Hospital has been torn off by strong winds as ex-Cyclone Oswald threatens northern NSW.
Residents in Murwillumbah and low-lying parts of Tweed Heads are being warned they may have to evacuate as the Tweed River rises.
An evacuation centre has been set up in Murwillumbah to accommodate up to 200 people who may have to leave their homes.
There were 15 flood rescues overnight and more than 1000 homes are without power.
12.12PM: LORD Mayor Graham Quirk has warned that flood modelling is not an exact science and areas not included on the map could still flood.
Although Cr Quirk said the estimated number of homes and businesses at risk of river inundation remained at 3600 and 1250 respectively, he urged people in flood prone areas to take precautions.
The Lord Mayor said if there was any confusion about whether a street or property was in the firing line, people should refer to the maps published on the council website.
"I would say those street names (listed) are being update, and I'd say to people refer to the maps. A picture paints a thousands words," said Cr Quirk.
He also expressed sadness that restaurants flooded in 2011, were now being inundated again but stressed that was more a "tidal event" than river flooding.
Yesterday Cr Quirk said the CBD was not at risk of flooding but today said projections were not "absolute".
"I just have to emphasise, a model is a model. We're not talking about absolute exactness. No one could ever predict what rain was going to occur overnight, the quantities and where that rain will fall," he said.
"There were predictions, but as we know storm cells change."
Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott joined Cr Quirk at the Newmarket Road depot of the State Emergency Service to help volunteers fill sandbags.
A long line of cars was queued waiting for sandbags, which are being provided pre-filled, and free of charge.
Mr Abbott then travelled to Kedron to tour Emergency Management Queensland where the state disaster management group is meeting to discuss the flooding unfolding across the state's south east.
The Bremer River is now expected to peak at 15m at 6pm tonight, and the Brisbane River's Port Office gauge is expected to hit 2.6m at 11am tomorrow.
Both rivers will peak again in 24-hours, causing a double-whammy flood.
12.10PM: WINDS of over 100km/hr have caused havoc in Manly's normally quiet harbour, leaving a trail of damaged boats and pontoons along the coastline.
Hervey Shaw from the Brisbane Coastguard has confirmed police closed off all roads along the Manly waterfront at 10am today as flooding inundates the area.
Mr Shaw said several cars have broken down in rising flood waters as people disobey directions from police to avoid flooded crossings.
The Brisbane Coastguard were called to their first mayday call at midnight on Sunday as a 14m yacht, Amber Mist, was caught in strong winds with one man on board.
Volunteers from the Coastguard were able to rescue the man before the ship sank.
Coast Guard Commander Steve Fleming has urged all boat owners not to go to sea until the weather improves.
11.10am: TRIPLE zero coverage is down for mobiles and landlines on the Telstra network in sections of the state's north and west, police said.
The wild weather has disrupted the local Telstra exchanges at Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Mareeba and Mt Isa.
Police said the coverage is down for Telstra customers only and urging people to use an alternative carrier.
The police, fire and ambulance have also set up a single temporary number for emergency Triple-0 calls.
For a list of alternative numbers, click here.
10.40AM: POLICE have told motorists they will be prosecuted if they disobey road signs and attempt to drive into flooded waters.
Maryborough's Superintendent Mark Stiles said the signs were displayed "for a reason" to protect motorists' safety.
"We all ask you to observe the following: to not drive into flooded waters, swim or play in flooded waters," he said.
"Do not drive around road closed signs - they are there for a reason and to protect you and ensure safety. If you do, we will prosecute you."
Supt Stiles pleaded with people to stay away from the floodwaters as sight-seers were hindering rescue efforts.
"Do not go sight-seeing - you are making our responses more difficult," he said.
He said police, fire, and ambulance services, along with the Fraser Coast Regional Council were working hard together in the wake of the wild weather.
10.38AM: Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says the worst of the weather crisis is over for the city after this morning's high tide caused no major problems and the Hinze Dam peaked at well below flood levels.
Concerned residents in low-lying areas such as Budds Beach watched as water from the Nerang River swamped roads and parks and lapped their properties but there were no reports of homes being flooded.
The 1.6m tidal surge and huge swell sent waves crashing through the iconic Oskars restaurant on the Burleigh beachfront, inundating a swim school and disused restaurant downstairs.
Waves washed over Burleigh headland and foam covered Currumbin Beach, where sea water also surged through the surf club carpark, engulfing one car left parked there.
Cr Tate said Hinze Dam was expected to peak at 97m and water was flowing over the spillway, but it was still 4m below flood levels.
The flood threat was also easing for local creeks at Mudgeeraba and Canungra.
Mt Tamborine remained cut off by fallen trees and about 11,000 homes and businesses across the Coast were without power.
SES crews were responding to about 270 calls for help throughout the city.
"We've escaped the worst of it but the wind is still dangerous so we still need to be vigilant," Cr Tate told ABC radio.
"I'm more confident now that our city won't be flooded."
Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek said his electorate was "battered and bruised" from the gale-force winds overnight, which blew out highrise windows, ripped down awnings and signs and sent balcony furniture flying through the streets.
But Mr Langbroek, who is also Education Minister, said he expected all Gold Coast schools would re-open tomorrow for the start of the new school term.
10.35AM: ENGINEERS and hydrologists are scrambling this morning to reassess the impact of floods on Ipswich after warnings by Lockyer Valley Regional Council mayor Steve Jones that conditions were worse than thought.
Cr Jones said about 100 homes and businesses were flooded at Laidley, after water rose higher than expected.
The problem was the confluence of Lockyer and Laidley creeks, where there was simply too much water to get away due to low-lying land and flat country.
The Community Safety Department issued a flood emergency alert for the Bremer River and Ipswich City region.
People in flood prone or low lying areas should consider evacuation or seek higher ground. An evacuation centre has been set up at the Ipswich Show Grounds.
Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale said he was concerned that rainfall upstream in the Bremer River catchment was greater than recorded by the Weather Bureau.
"A lady rang me this morning and said she'd never seen such a downpour," Cr Pisasale said. "I rely on people like Jonesie. He's my little smart cowboy up there. He's got great local knowledge so I'm listening to what he says."
Cr Pisasale said it was estimated about 400 homes may get water damage in Ipswich, with about 750 properties in total having water across some part of their properties.
An emergency meeting was under way to try to estimate the height of the Bremer River flood. The Bremer passes through Ipswich.
Cr Pisasale said no part of the city's CBD would be impacted.
"But there's panic here," he said. "We've already got about a dozen in the emergency evacuation centre."
Cr Paul Tully, of the flood-prone Ipswich suburb of Goodna, said flood height figures were being reviewed constantly and had gone from 11m yesterday, to 12m but the latest was 10m tonight or early tomorrow morning.
At that height there could be fewer than 20 properties flooded, down from 600 in 2011.
"If new modelling is based on Gatton and the Lockyer, it could go higher. We've got to wait and see," Cr Tully said.
"We've had a few minutes of sunshine here but it's raining and windy again.
"Most of the people flooded last time are moving out. They aren't taking the risk.
"It's certainly not new for this place to be flooded. We've got people here who've been flooded four times."
Weather Bureau forecaster Ken Kato said the worst of the rain had passed, with the low expected to slide into NSW this afternoon.
Showers, strong winds and the odd storm would remain.
"We've really only got moderate falls occurring now, if anything," Mr Kato said. "But you've got all these rivers and creeks that have experienced significant rises and they have to have a chance to get away."
A mix of showers and sunny conditions were predicted for the rest of the week.
10.30AM: EMERGENCY Services have been called to free a mother and child trapped by a fallen tree.
The mother and child were struck by a tree while standing in a park near Kedron Brook, Gordon Park this morning.
The child has been transported to Royal Brisbane Children's Hospital with severe head injuries.
Fire and Rescue are in the process of freeing the mother, believed to be trapped under the fallen tree.
Emergency Services have been unable to confirm any further details at this stage.
10.11AM: POLICE have cordoned off large segments of Eagle Street in the Brisbane CBD as wild winds and flooding rain from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald causes mayhem.
Pedestrians and cars have been blocked from Charlotte St and Eagle St after the AMP building started losing windows and debris in strong winds coming off the Brisbane River.
Police have cordoned off the streets in the surrounding area due to concern about flying debris.
Cars are being moved out of the basement at Stamford Plaza on Edward St due to rapidly rising floodwater.
Police said the first high tide in the Brisbane River was expected at 10.30am.
They hope to gauge how the city's low-lying areas fare during its first flood test since the low-pressure system swept through southeast Queensland.
Strong winds have blown traffic lights off-kilter, making them face the wrong way, and plenty of downed tree branches are littering the footpaths throughout the city.
Several trees have been up-rooted in green spaces and parkland throughout the CBD.
10AM: ABOUT 100 homes and businesses are being flooded in the township of Laidley in the Lockyer Valley east of Brisbane, with water peaking 1m above the devastating 2011 floods that wiped out Grantham.
Water this morning has backed up about 1m higher than expected at the junction of Lockyer and Laidley creeks, with Mayor Steve Jones warning Ipswich that the downstream town had a much worse flood coming than thought last night.
Ipswich flood levels are now predicted to be about 1m up - from about 14m to 15m - on that expected last night.
Cr Jones said rainfall was much as predicted overnight, with Gatton getting 110mm in the 24 hours to 9am, Lowood 53mm and Wivenhoe 47mm.
"They stopped releases at Wivenhoe Dam to let our water go (below the dam wall) but it's still backed up at the junction of the creeks," Cr Jones said. "They've done a good job but there's just too much water trying to get away."
Cr Jones said much of the water had come from surrounding ranges and simply was not able to disperse quickly.
"The thing is, we live in a valley," he said. "We're dealing with a lot of water over very flat country. We've just had too much bloody rain.
"It's brought significant problems in Grantham, Glenore Grove and Laidley."
Cr Jones said 12 to 14 houses were impacted in Grantham, although they were not suffering as much as two years ago.
About 120 families had moved to higher ground. Of those that remained, some had not wanted to move and some had not yet made the move.
The State Emergency Service has received more than 1800 requests for help in the 24 hours to 4am today.
More than 830 of these jobs were in the North Coast region, particularly around Bundaberg.
There were more than 550 jobs in the southeast, particularly around the Lockyer Valley, Laidley and the Gold Coast.
Brisbane also recorded a large volume of requests. The most common jobs were leaking roofs, flood water threatening property, sandbagging and fallen trees.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service responded to about 53 swift water rescues across Queensland yesterday.
Overnight swift water rescue crews attended nine cases in Worongary, Jimboomba, Laidley, Greenbank, Fernvale, Moorina (near Caboolture), Bundaberg North and Ducklo.
Premier Campbell Newman has launched the Queensland Flood Appeal 2013, a Queensland Government/Red Cross partnership to help Queenslanders impacted by recent floods and storms.
The Newman Government has kicked in with $1 million.
Mr Newman encouraged all Queenslanders to give to the appeal to help those in need.
"The destructive force of the weather caused by Cyclone Oswald has affected communities from the Cape to the New South Wales border," Mr Newman said.
Total affected by power interruptions since midday Saturday is the southeast is 283,000.
More than 2000 fallen powerlines have been reported.
For flood or storm related assistance, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500, or in a life-threatening emergency phone Triple Zero (000).
9.45AM: WIVENHOE, North Pine and Somerset dams have all jumped up to 100 per cent capacity after significant overnight falls.
An SEQWater spokeswoman said further falls would go into the dams' flood storage compartments, which are empty.
Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle had earlier given the order for the dam levels to be reduced to 88 per cent.
Releases starting last Friday did lower the dams, but they have quickly refilled.
The spokeswoman said they had no plans to resume water releases until the flood peak passed on Wednesday.
"When we say the dam is 100 per cent, that's 100 per cent of the full supply level. So there's still the flood storage compartment," she said.
Earlier, Premier Campbell Newman warned thunderstorms forecast for this afternoon could add to the looming flood crisis.
"There is some indication from the Bureau of Meteorology of a thunderstorm," Mr Newman said.
"If that develops, we could see flash flooding, given the potential for intense rain events, and people need to be mindful of that along suburban creeks. People could see a rapid rise in water."
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Ken Kato said the chances of a thunderstorm hitting Brisbane were about "30 per cent, maybe a little more".
"With thunderstorms, it's impossible to predict with certainty. There are some unstable conditions around today," Mr Kato said.
"We're mainly looking at southeast Queensland, but it's really hard to nail down locations. Most of the heavier rains have contracted to south of the border now."
He said in the past 24-hours, 53mm had fallen over Wivenhoe Dam, Helidon in the Lockyer Valley had recorded 133mm, and Gatton 110mm.
Mr Newman said the "very significant rain" in those areas, increased the likelihood of minor flooding of the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers.
"I do stress though - on everything I have to hand, this will not be as significant as the 2011 flood. But we will get more information as soon as possible to people in relation to that," Mr Newman said.
"In Laidley there are 110 people in evacuation centres. We expect that we will see 2011 flood levels but the intensity and the rising of the flood levels are not as bad as 2011."
Mr Newman said it was too early to say what impact the widespread flood event would have on the State's budget.
But the Premier said the government would donate $1 million to the Queensland Flood Appeal being conducted by the Red Cross.
9.40AM: Celebrity chef Matt Moran has shared a pic from his inner city venue Riverbar, which has suffered flooding this morning.
He tweeted: #riverbar living up to it name! Devastated http://instagr.am/p/VAZIOfEpPC/
9.38AM: RESIDENTS in the Moreton Bay region are on high alert as they brace for a higher tide than experienced yesterday.
Council is urging residents - including at Newport Waterways, Pacific Harbour, and Bribie Gardens - to ready themselves for a possible storm tide surge, tidal inundation and very strong winds.
They said the high tide is expected to be 0.2m higher than yesterday's high level and should impact low-lying coastal areas from about 10.30am.
"If your house might be at risk of inundation or flooding, now is the time to secure your property," the statement said.
Sand and sandbags can be collected from Redcliffe SES (42 Portwood Street), Deception Bay SES (24 Old Bay Rd) and Bribie Island SES (208-224 First Avenue).
9.30AM: WAVES have crashed through the iconic Oskars restaurant building on the Burleigh Heads beachfront, inundating a swim school downstairs.
Oskars owner Marty Kollrepp said he had owned the restaurant for 15 years and it was the wildest he had seen the ocean and tide.
Burleigh Headland is covered in foam which is flying through the air as fierce winds continue to blow.
8.20AM: THE body of a man is being retrieved from flood waters at Greenbank, south of Brisbane, this morning.
Police believe it is the body of a motorcyclist who was swept away while trying to cross a bridge last night.
Emergency services confirmed they found the man near Edwards Bridge at Goodna Road.
Police are in the process of retrieving and are yet to contact next of kin.
8.12AM: There are now 11,000 homes and businesses without power on the Gold Coast.
Traffic lights are out up and down the Coast, including on the Gold Coast Highway at Tugun.
8AM: BUNDABERG is facing its worst flood on record as the southeast also braces for flooding in the next 48 hours.
In his first briefing of the day, Premier Campbell Newman said "very significant" rain in the Laidley, Lockyer Creek and Bremer River catchments were recorded last night.
He said the falls appeared to make it more likely flooding would occur in areas identified in flood maps released by the Brisbane and Ipswich City Councils yesterday.
"People should look at those maps, and they need to take action because I believe this morning they will be impacted in Ipswich and along the Brisbane River," Mr Newman said.
"The intensity or the speed of the rising (water) is not as bad as 2011.
"Queensland is facing a very serious challenge right now. It's a serious challenge, but I stress we're up to it and people are not alone.
"What I need people to do right now, is firstly to remain calm."
He said nine evacuation centres had been set up in Bundaberg and 30 people were stranded on roofs and awaiting rescue.
"There are expectations today of a major flood, probably the largest the city has ever seen," the Premier said.
"The problem is there is very swift water, very dangerous water flowing and it's very hard to get to people in boats without endangering the rescuers' lives."
More will be known about the forecast flooding in southeast Queensland by this afternoon, and the Premier said forecast thunderstorms could also cause flash flooding in Brisbane.
In other developments, police recovered a man's body from floodwaters at Gympie overnight.
And residents of Gladstone North are without 000 services because of a Telstra issue.
Premier Newman said they should be encouraged to call (the SES number) 132500 if assistance was needed.
He will visit Ipswich this morning before returning to the Emergency Management Queensland complex at Kedron for another briefing and public announcement.
7.35AM: MORE than 100 Lockyer Valley residents have fled to evacuation centres as floodwaters exceed the 2011 water height.
A council spokeswoman said many residents had chosen to self-evacuate from their homes in Laidley and Glenore Grove.
She said a man had been rescued from Glenore Grove by the council and fire fighters last night but was unable to provide details.
An evacuation centre has been established at the Laidley High School and the Laidley council depot.
"There are a little over 100 people right now so that's a good sign, and obviously they are getting the message," the spokeswoman said.
"The water height in Laidley is slightly higher than the level it was in 2011 but I don't have a precise height at the moment.
"And over the next few hours, the water is due to fluctuate due to the creeks in the area."
7.21AM: THERE are reports that up to 30 people have taken to the roofs of their homes in Bundaberg to escape flooding.
Premier Campbell Newman said Bundaberg was facing the worst flood in its history, beating the level set in 1942.
The army's Blackhawk helicopters are on standby to help people in the region.
7.16AM: MOTORISTS are being urged to stay off the roads today as conditions remain hazardous.
Minor landslides have been reported in Aratula along the Cunningham highway, but the Australian Traffic Network has been unable to confirm reports at this stage.
Amelia De Vita from the Australian Traffic Network has warned people to turn on their lights, keep away from flood waters and give way at intersections with traffic lights out.
The Australian Traffic Network said roads from Mackay to Brisbane are impassable and motorists are urged to avoid any non-essential travel today.
7.10AM: THE body of a missing 27-year-old man has reportedly been found in Widgee Creek, west of Gympie, overnight.
The ABC this morning tweeted that the man's body had been found, but police media were unable to confirm the report.
There were grave concerns for the man, who went missing after his car was caught in flood waters yesterday, with his two companions rescued.
7AM: Residents in Brisbane and the coastal areas can expect to see weather conditions ease by midday as damaging winds and rain move southwards.
Senior Forecaster Vikash Prasad from the Bureau of Meteorology said the worst of the weather is now over for Brisbane and the northern areas but residents could still expect light rain and strong wind gusts for most of the morning.
These are expected to clear towards the afternoon.
Brisbane recorded rain fall of up to 172mm in the city and wind gusts of up to 92km/hr around the airport at 8.15pm last night.
The Gold Coast was the hardest hit with winds reaching over 100km/hr and rainfall of up to 640mm in Upper Springbrook.
Damaging wind gusts of up to 125km/hr were recorded at Cape Moreton yesterday evening.
6.50AM: The wild weather has kept emergency services busy, with the SES called to more than 1,800 calls for assistance in the 24 hours to 4am Monday.
More than 830 of these jobs were concentrated in the North Coast region, particularly around Bundaberg, according to the Department of Community Safety.
There were more than 550 jobs in the South East Region particularly around the Lockyer Valley, Laidley and the Gold Coast.
Brisbane also recorded a "large volume" of requests for leaking roofs, flood water threatening property, sandbagging and fallen trees.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service were tasked to around 53 swift water rescues across Queensland yesterday.
These included nine cases overnight in Worongary, Jimboomba, Laidley, Greenbank, Fernvale, Moorina (near Caboolture), Bundaberg North and Ducklo.
6.45AM: Fallen trees, floodwaters and strong gusts are hampering restoration efforts as more than 200,000 southeast Queensland residents are still without power.
Energex are also concerned there are around 1,200 powerlines down across the region, creating a risky situation for workers and residents.
"The Sunshine Coast looks to have been the hardest hit overnight," an Energex spokeswoman said.
She said around 83,000 homes and businesses had their power restored overnight and hoped the rest to be restored today.
"However the difficulty is that the weather is still unfolding quite a lot but we have plenty of crews on board."
"Due to the strong winds we can't have the workers up in buckets so there have been delays in restoring power."
She asked residents to be patient and assess their backyard for any damage to powerlines.
Call Energex on 13 19 62.
6.25AM: ANOTHER night of strong gusty winds and rain has disrupted Brisbane's public transport, with Citycats and ferries cancelled, and buses replacing trains on several lines.
Debris on the power lines at Fortitude Valley has knocked out services from Roma Street to Albion with buses running in their place.
Buses are also running instead of trains on the Ferny Grove line, from Northgate to Shorncliffe, all stations between Corinda and Ipswich, and Corinda and Richlands.
The Airtrain is out of action with buses servicing stations from Eagle Junction to the Airport, and buses are ferrying train passengers between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes and Thorneside and Cleveland.
All trains and replacement buses have been cancelled on the Sunshine Coast line from Caboolture to Gympie North.
Delays of around an hour are expected for all services where buses are running in place of trains.
Brisbane Airport remains open but travellers are urged to check with their airline if flights are going ahead.
This morning several flights have been delayed, cancelled or rescheduled, but international flights, and those from Perth and Canberra have landed this morning.
Several Sydney flights have been cancelled, but some departing for Sydney and Melbourne have taken off.
Motorists are urged to limit travel to essential trips, and not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
6AM: Gold Coast residents are waking to widespread damage after winds of up to 94km/h hammered the Glitter Strip overnight.
A house has reportedly been demolished by the winds at Bilinga, streets are covered in debris and almost 3000 homes are without power.
Three M1 on-ramps are blocked by fallen trees.
There were several swift water rescues on the Gold and Tweed coasts overnight and some residents are bracing for floods.
Upper Springbrook has recorded 638mm of rain in the last 24 hours.
Gold Coast Airport remains open but some flights have been cancelled.
Winds are still gusting at 80km/h.
A firemen has told of seeing high rise sliding doors torn off by the wild winds and flung into the streets below.
He says emergency service workers spent a long and frightening night in Surfers as debris flew through the streets.
"We were ducking for cover - you hear all these racks and bangs and noises and you don't know what the hell's coming for you," the fireman told ABC radio.
"The wind gusts through the (high rises) must be pushing 150 to 180km/h for sure."
4.30AM: It was reported that a motorcyclist has been swept off a bridge into a flooded creek in southeast Queensland.
Witnesses have told police the man was riding across a bridge on the Greenbank-Goodna Road at Greenbank about 11pm (AEST) on Sunday when he was swept off by floodwaters.
Members of the public tried to get a rope to the man, but this was unsuccessful and he was washed down stream.
Police said a search for the man would resume on Monday morning.
Overnight, it was reported that Intense rainfall directly over the Wivenhoe Dam catchment was blamed for the sudden change in outlook for the southeast corner, which had been expected to avoid a repeat of the devastating 2011 floods.
Falls of another 100mm are now projected to cause the Brisbane and Bremer rivers to breach their banks over 24 hours from midnight tonight, with a second dose of flooding to flow into tomorrow and Wednesday.
Parts of Brisbane were already flooded last night, with four people rescued from an Ashgrove property after a torrent of water trapped them in their home on Mossvale St.
Police said the street had been evacuated early in the evening, but residents of the house decided to stay behind before becoming concerned by rising water and calling for help.
Preparing for the worst, more than 100 cars lined up for sandbags at Newmarket SES depot.
Ex-Cyclone Oswald's march down the Queensland coast left a trail of destruction and caused flash flooding throughout the weekend.
But in a dramatic few hours late yesterday, authorities revealed the worst was not over.
More than 5000 homes and businesses across Brisbane are now expected to flood over the next few days, including in suburbs such as Rocklea, Rosalie, Milton and Auchenflower, which were hit hard in 2011. But areas not flooded in 2011 are also now in the firing line, with creeks rising across the city along with the Brisbane River.
In Ipswich, 400 properties are expected to face some flooding in Brassall, Bundamba, Goodna, Churchill, Moores Pocket, North Boovall and West Ipswich.
Premier Campbell Newman said the floods would not be as devastating as two years ago.
He urged people not to panic, but to check the flood maps and to prepare if they were in an area that may flood.
"If it doesn't occur, then I'm sorry in advance," the Premier said.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said computer modelling showed 3600 residential dwellings faced some degree of flooding, including 1500 houses and 2100 units.
Another 1250 businesses are also expected to be flooded.
"It's worse than what we thought at lunchtime," the Lord Mayor said late yesterday.
"The intensity of the rainfall in certain localities, and the modelling which is before us is indicating the amount of water coming down from the west will result in flooding in the Brisbane River."
The first area within Brisbane to be affected by the rising river would be Moggill, he said.
"That would be very late on Monday evening when the river reached its heights," Cr Quirk said.
"Then there would be a repeat on the Tuesday evening.
"So we're not going to see any flood impacts on the CBD, but there will be properties in a whole range of suburbs."
He also warned of further flooding, caused by overflowing creeks and some big high tides.
"I'm getting reports of a number of our creeks reaching capacity, so again this is a double whammy this time compared to 2011," Cr Quirk said.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the forecast peak for the Bremer River was 14.45m, well below the 19.4m peak in 2011.
"Hopefully it's a little bit less than that, and it's also based on 100mm falling in the lower catchment overnight," Cr Pisasale said.
"What we want to do is tell people not to panic because it doesn't peak until midnight. This morning I will be making decisions in regard to evacuations and everything else once we know what the rainfall is."
Cr Quirk said the forecast flooding was "not impacted directly by releases from the dam" which were reduced from about lunchtime yesterday.
Mr Newman, who took responsibility for the decision to lower the level of Wivenhoe and North Pine dams on Friday, said further releases were in the hands of controlling body Seqwater.
"What happens is the Bureau of Meteorology do their forecasting with their models, they then provide estimates to SEQWater who plug that modelling into their system and then decide how they have to actually operate the dam," Mr Newman said.
He stressed the looming flood event would be "a far far lesser event than 2011".
"That's why people need to just be calm, look at the (flood) maps first, have a big think and then decide what to do," the Premier said.
"We're putting it out there if people are not on those lists, or those maps, they still might want to think about it, but on the information we've got this afternoon, they're in the clear."
The Insurance Council of Australia praised Mr Newman and Cr Quirk for giving residents as much notice as possible for the likely flood, saying it could help minimise the extent of property damage.
Late yesterday, insurers had received about 2000 claims related to the destructive weather event that has so far stretched from the Cape, to the southeast corner.
"Insurers are ready to do what they can. Call centres are standing by right now," Insurance Council Australia communications manager Campbell Fuller said. "They're staffed up and waiting for claims."
He declined to speculate on what impact a repeat dose of flooding would have on insurance policies for households already paying inflated premiums following the 2011 event.
"They will still be able to buy flood cover if they want it, but the cost of the premium will reflect the flood risk," Mr Fuller said.
Reporting by Robyn Ironside, Paul Syvret, Kate McKenna, Jacinda Tutty, Greg Stolz, Brian Williams, Peter Hall and Andrew MacDonald
